The Graduate Forum

an interdisciplinary forum at New York University

March 12, 2008
Presenter: Kurt Wong
Respondent: Jennifer Law

Kurt presented on the question of evolution and scientific research. Some of the key questions he presented for discussion included:

1) What is really at stake if evolution is truly accepted by both ecclesiastic and secular parties? Is there a fear of the negation of a higher being that drives the evangelical crusade to "destroy Darwinism".

2) Couldn't there be a compromise that encompasses both ideologies? If so, what portions of each theory could find remedy/injury in this solution?

3) At what level of society are we able to participate in bringing about this resolution? Global, Federal or Local government intervening on behalf of the individualœôòùs belief?

4) Are human genetics optimized in such a way that our evolution has reached a plateau or stagnant evolutionary state (minus the genetic mutations that lead to negative evolutionary impacts)?

Faith has no place in a classroom founded in empiricism. But as we have previously discussed in The Forum, regarding the inclusion of other cultural points of view, when creating a global citizen or idea that will have global impact, all ideas deserve a stage. Should there be a presentation of the argument between the two communities of thought that fairly allows the student to make a decision? Certainly, this discourse and lesson on science should present each idea in the most holistic light feasible that, without bias, allows for an individual informed decision. Each idea, both religious and scientific, has a greater supporting foundation that provides justification for itœôòùs place in the classroom: theory and research. In our modern society, we can see many legislative decisions that would benefit from fair, veridical presentations of both views. An obvious where this discussion is necessary is the reproductive rights discourse, specifically when deciding the meaning of life.